[Aggie93]

Another update. Two boys have been selected and I'm to choose one.

On the surface one appears like a much easier mentee, but the other would benefit more. These are the notes from the interview with the organization.

Boy 1

• 10 years old
• talkative and outgoing
• has sister in same program
• no contact with father, but has step-father living at home and appears to be a stable relationship and a good guy. He does not have an issue with step-son having a mentor.

Boy 2

• 13 years old, 7th grade
• More shy, but warmed up
• Funny
• No contact with father, no adult male role model in his life.
• 15 year old sister.
• 5 other siblings living in foster care or similar. Mom was involved in 6 year CPS case which ultimately won and got two of her kids back (son is one of them). I don't know the status of others.
• Decent grades A, B, C. but has an Individualized Education Plan.
• I think I'd want a little more info on the reasons for the IEP if possible. My initial research revealed that they are set up after extensive evaluation. She suspected it might be due to his circumstance with CPS to get more attention at school. It didn't seem like enough to warrant from what I read. Not sure if there is wiggle room to take in to consideration the fact that he was removed from his mom for 5-6 years. The interviewer didn't see any indication of a disability during the interview. I don't think it would be in her best interest to sugar coat. She knows it is my first time and wouldn't want to promote a poor match.
• The mom indicated that she wanted the mentor to help with communication skills, which seems coincidental since I started Toastmasters just over a year ago.

Most of me is saying to mentor Boy #2, but concerned about getting in over my head and #1 appears would be an easier relationship. Does the brain trust have any thoughts?